The role of apoptosis in hematologic malignancies and modulation of apoptosis as a new therapeutic approach.

Recently, the role of apoptosis in the pathogenesis of a wide array of diseases (e.g. solid tumors, leukemias, myelodysplastic syndromes and aplastic anemia) has been highlighted. Thus modulation of this pivotal process (either positively or negatively) has become an emerging new concept in the treatment of malignant disorders. In this review we will discuss recent advances in the understanding of apoptosis, outline its role in the pathophysiology of several hematologic disorders and suggest possible novel treatment strategies.